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Small Deployable Antennas

Mesh-based Deployable Reflector Antennas

In the frame of our core competences antennas and deployable structures, HPS is developing, tailoring and delivering small deployable mesh-based reflector antennas with dimensions from 0.4 m up to 4.9 m diameter. These antennas combine our year-long heritage in designing and manufacturing light-weight CFRP- and metal structures, mechanisms, mechatronics, meshes/networks (as reflective surface).
Our deployable reflector antennas are intended for cubesats and small satellites where mounting volume is limited, but data communication demands are high.

Two types of deployable mesh-antennas are available:

Umrella Type Antennas

Mesh/Network Type Antennas

Mesh-based Deployable Reflector-Antennas

Umbrella Type Antennas

Umbrella Type Antennas are based on deployable ribs, mounted via several hinges at a base plate. The reflective mesh is directly attached to the ribs. The feed is mounted in the center at the baseplate. We recommend these types of antennas for smaller diameters between 0.4m up to 1.2m.

The mesh is procured via our partner company HPtex GmbH, Germany.

Deployment Video

Images P. Rauhut

Mesh-based Deployable Reflector-Antennas

Mesh/Network Type Antennas

HPS has developed a Mesh/Network-based foldable reflector antenna HANT, where the reflective surface is represented by a tailored metallic mesh. The mesh is fixed to the desired near-parabolic shape by a network of space-grade bands and tie cables, attached rigidly to the ribs and to the mesh by dedicated proprietary pin connections.

The prototype recently developed and tested still contains external fixation mechanisms on the outer ring (as shown in the upper picture) which will be removed for the flight model. Similarly, the current metallic rib tubes (see picture) are replaced by light-weight CFRP ribs. The aperture diameter can be adapted to the application needs by adding more net rings and enlarging the rib arms accordingly. This way, apertures between 0.8m up to 3.6m are recommended. The antenna example shown in the picture has a diameter of 80 cm and has been used for extensive stowing/unfolding tests.

Mesh/Network

Mesh/Network

Applications for Mesh/Network Type Antennas:
  • Earth observation Smallsats and microsatellites requiring high data-rate downlinks
  • High-throughput communications
  • Advanced small-satellite missions with strict size, mass, and power constraints

Key Benfits

    • High-Gain, Compact Design: Maximizes packing efficiency in Smallsat platforms while enabling high-throughput downlink.
    • Deployable Reflector: Expands in orbit to deliver large-aperture performance without increasing stowed volume.
    • Reliable Deployment: Passive elastic elements provide smooth, jam-free deployment without motors or complex electronics, minimizing mass and power consumption.
Features:

Frequency Range: C-band, X-band, Ku-band

Gain: >25 dBi at boresight (goal)

Polarization: Circular

Stowed Dimensions: 15 cm × 15 cm x 50 cm/100 cm/150 cm/200 cm (depending of rib length/reflector diameter)

Deployed Aperture: between 0.8 m and 3.6m